Iraqi Journal of Pharmacy

Abstract

Background: Cutaneous warts are treated primarily with destructive methods such as cryotherapy or electro-cautery. These modalities of treatment are time‑consuming and may be associated with scarring in multiple warts. Immunotherapy is emerging as a new modality of treatment that acts on enhancing cell‑mediated immunity against human papillomavirus for clearance of both treated and distant warts.
Aim of the study: To show the efficacy of Intralesional vitamin D3 in treating cutaneous warts.
Methods: A total of 50 patients were included in the study. They were injected with vitamin D3 300000 IU (up to 0.5 ml for each wart) at two weeks intervals for maximum of 4 sessions. The clinical response was assessed by photographic measurements at baseline, before each session, and after the completion of treatment and they were followed after 6 months for discovering any recurrence.
Results: in this study among 50 patients the response rate to vitamin D3 intralesionally was 94% in general, the mild response was seen in 20(40%) patients and moderate response was seen in 16 (32%) patients while the complete response was 11 (22%) patients. No serious side effects were observed except for pain at the site of injection which most of the patients had.
Limitation: small sample size with lack of control group.
Conclusions: Intralesional vitamin D shows a good response in the treatment of viral warts.